Meet Nikolina Petolas | Digital / traditional artist / oil painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikolina Petolas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikolina, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I believe that, in some ways, this career chose me. The path of an artist certainly isn’t the most reliable or the easiest, but there was always a strong, almost irresistible pull towards it. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating my own stories and expressing myself through art. It’s a unique way of communicating with the world.

Initially, I worked in a commercial field as a photographer and graphic designer/ illustrator. However, I was always drawn toward a more artistic approach, and telling my personal stories. and it felt like a natural progression.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art has always been a powerful force in my life. Even growing up in a war-torn environment, the desire to create never truly faded. Although pursuing it fully wasn’t an option at the time, I found my way back to art in my twenties, and it has been an incredibly rewarding journey ever since.

Initially, I worked as a commercial photographer, graphic designer, and illustrator, gaining invaluable experience in visual storytelling. However, I felt compelled to break free from commercial constraints and explore my own narrative worlds. Like the hidden passages I used to seek in my grandmother’s house, art became my portal to unseen realms—fantastical worlds inhabited by extraordinary beings.

Taking the leap into creating personal artistic works was driven by a deep urge to express myself creatively. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before my work started gaining recognition, and I received invitations to showcase it at international exhibitions. Having the opportunity to exhibit my art on a global platform opened new directions for me as an artist. The positive feedback, especially from the respected European surrealist community, provided a sense of belonging and confirmed that I was on the right creative path.

The global reach of my work is truly humbling. Knowing it resonates with people across the world, regardless of background, is the greatest validation an artist can ask for. Having pieces in museums, galleries, and private collections around the world, along with over 30 international awards, is something I never imagined.

What sets you apart from others?

The worlds I build are detailed, fantastical realms where familiar elements often contain an unexpected twist. I blend traditional and digital techniques to create stories that invite viewers to explore the line between the ordinary and the magical. Symbolism plays a crucial role in my art, often reflecting on the quest for happiness and meaning. My characters, whether human or animal, navigate these surreal landscapes, where beauty is often tinged with a sense of unease.

I am most proud of how viewers connect with my work, finding their own interpretations within the larger narrative. My characters appear across different pieces, allowing people to build personal connections and uncover the stories I’ve woven throughout my art.

Was it easy?

The path of an artist is rarely smooth, and mine has been no exception. Challenges included the solitary nature of creating art and making decisions without immediate feedback. However, I’ve been fortunate to connect with supportive people and galleries along the way. Traveling for exhibitions has allowed me to build a network of incredible artists, and collaborating with major brands like Ferragamo and Marriott has been an exciting way to reach a broader audience.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Networking is crucial, and social media has been a game-changer, allowing artists from around the world to connect and share their work. Effective networking is about building genuine connections, not just showcasing your work. I’ve formed numerous online connections, some of which have developed into genuine friendships through group exhibitions or collaborative projects.

Learning on my own, without the traditional mentorship often found in art schools, has been challenging. However, technology has made it possible to connect with mentors through online workshops and courses. This digital shift has also opened up new opportunities for networking and collaboration.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want people to see my work as more than just individual pieces but as part of a larger, ongoing narrative. My art explores an anti-utopian world where harmony and tension coexist. It is often allegorical, sometimes with a touch of humor—a modern take on fables that places animals and strange characters from our world into unusual situations, yet with a sense of hope underlying it all.

These beings are reimagined in surreal environments, transformed into symbols that reveal deeper truths about human nature, society, and our relationship with the world around us.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Santiago Ribeiro, an incredible Portuguese painter who has been a significant influence on my journey. Santiago managed to organize the largest exhibition of surrealist artists in the world, bringing together a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, digital work, and photography. His vision and dedication have created a platform for many artists to showcase their work on an international stage. The exhibition has been displayed in some truly remarkable venues and museums, such as the Mafra Palace, providing surrealist art with the recognition and exposure it deserves.

Website: https://www.nikolinapetolas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikolinapetolas/